XMAS SPIRIT: CHRISTMAS TREES AROUND THE WORLD

by
amna-mishal /Dec 23, 2014

A Christmas tree – symbol of Christmas, a decorated tree typically an evergreen conifer such as spruce, pine, or fir. The tradition of the Christmas tree established in early modern Germany with precursors that can be found to the 16th and possibly 15th century, in which sincere Christians carried ornamented trees into their homes. It attained acceptance and popularity outside Germany during the middle 19th century, at first among the upper classes.

The tree was conventionally decorated with provisions such as apples, nuts, or other foods. In the 18th century, people began to be illuminate it with candles which were eventually substituted by Christmas lights after the beginning of electrification. Today, there are a wide variety of traditional ornaments, such as garland, tinsel, and candy canes. An angel or star is placed at the top of the tree to signify the angel Gabriel or the Star of Bethlehem from the Nativity.

The Christmas tree has also been known as the “Yule-tree”, especially in discussions of its folkloric roots.